Canes Venatici

noun

Ca·​nes Ve·​nat·​i·​ci ˈkā-ˌnēz-və-ˈna-tə-ˌsī 

astronomy

: a northern constellation that is visible between the constellations of Boötes and Ursa Major and that is represented by the figures of dogs

Note: The dogs of Canes Venatici are usually pictured as being held on a leash by the figure of Boötes the Herdsman, the figure associated with the constellation Boötes.

About 640,000 light-years from Earth in the direction of the constellation Canes Venatici, the galaxy is one of the most remote Milky Way satellites ever found.

—Ron Cowen, Science News, 1 July 2006

Word History

First Known Use

1728, in the meaning defined above

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now